Park It!

Spain’s PortAventura World Adds On Shore Thrills to Your Mediterranean Cruise

PORTAVENTURA WORLD PARKS & resort, just an hour’s ride from the popular Mediterranean port of Barcelona, is one of the largest amusement complexes in Europe and one of the 10 most popular on the continent. More than 70 million tourists have visited in the attraction’s 22-year history.

Mark Robinson, PortAventura’s chief commercial officer, calls the park a “gem on the Mediterranean,” and says that the family-friendly property is ideal for pre- or post-cruise visits to the Spanish port. Set in the World Heritage Site of Tarragona (where more than 50 cruise ships call per year), PortAventura World features five hotels (four 4-star and one 5-star totaling 2,100 hotel rooms), three golf courses, access to the Mediterranean beach, and a convention center accommodating 4,000 guests. Almost 50 restaurants offer everything from fast food to fine dining options and a similar number of shops feature souvenirs, handicrafts, and fashion.

Brand-new Ferrari Land, which joins PortAventura Park and PortAventura Caribe Aquatic Park, is one of the largest additions to the popular park, debuting earlier this year at a cost of 100 million Euros. The theme park projects an Italian theme: Ferrari-inspired thrill rides and experiences; an Italian Trattoria based on a restaurant in Maranello, the home of Ferrari; fast-food restaurants and an ice cream store inspired by Ferrari drivers; and a Ferrari-branded gift shop. The new theme park is the third in the park for PortAventura World and it expects 5 million visitors a year.

Other PortAventura highlights include areas that focus on Mexico, China, Polynesia, and that truly exotic spot — Sesame Street; Dragon Kahn, the park’s most identifiable ride; Red Force, which is the highest and fastest vertical accelerator in Europe and can be seen from miles away as part of the park’s dramatic skyline; entertainment venues and offerings that range from the world-renowned Cirque du Soleil (during July and August) to an aquatic park. One hundred different performances of 15 different shows are offered.

The mix of varied entertainment, thrill rides, geography lessons, golf and beach access, and hotel facilities makes for an exciting adjunct to a Mediterranean cruise.